James Taylor III

Born on October 2, 1932, in Richmond, Virginia, James Edward Taylor lll was the second of seven children that blessed the union of the late James Edward Taylor, Jr. and Ida Belle Bluford Taylor. Dickie, as everyone called him, received his early education in the Richmond Public School System and was a graduate of Armstrong High School Class of 1951. He matriculated at Virginia Union University (VUU) and majored in biology and mathematics. You know Dickie loved sports and especially football, anchoring the offensive line playing the center position for the VUU Panthers. Among his cherished keepsakes is the 8”x10” picture of the football team with him, #87, sitting prominently in the center of the first row. Always industrious, he made sure to have some extra change in his pocket, and since he was a licensed barber (initially learning the art from his grandfather) his college buddies lined up for haircuts—15 cents a head. Dickie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in May 1955 and well into adult life, he continued to support his beloved VUU.

Dickie served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from September 1956-September 1958. After completion of his basic training, he was stationed in Korea, serving as a Military Policeman. When discussing his assignment there, it was clear that he enjoyed learning about the culture, the people, and their food.

During the early 1960s, Dickie worked as a clerk for the US Postal Service receiving a Superior Accomplishment Certificate along with a cash award. The Postmaster’s accompanying letter highlighted Dickie’s work ethic and character, both of which have been a common thread throughout his work history.
Following several years as a Special Education teacher in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Dickie completed and was awarded the degree of Master of Education from Bowie State College in June 1972.
His career path ultimately led him to the Fairfax County Public School System in Virginia and it was there that ’Dickie met Shirley’ and two multigenerational families were married in 1986. Dickie retired as a middle school assistant principal in 1996 after twenty-two years of service.

Dickie was a Life Member of his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter, his chapter of initiation in the fall of 1977. During the years, he always enjoyed engaging and supporting many community activities and projects. Wonderful memories were made at the annual New Year’s Eve formal dinner dance, Soul Food nights, and other social gatherings. On June 1, 2007, he was honored to receive the Polemarch’s Award which stated,

“For your unfailing dedication to our Brothers. Your selfless work to ensure those Brothers who are not able to continue at full speed, to those who needed a helping hand, to those who needed that extra bit of care, and to those who just needed that timely word of encouragement, has been a shining beacon of light. Your actions truly show us the true meaning of Phi Nu Pi.”

Dickie was reared in a Christian home. As a young boy, he was baptized at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Richmond where he and his family worshipped together during his growing up years. After moving to Alexandria, Virginia, he became a member of Alfred Street Baptist Church where many new friendships were formed. During severe winter months, when shelter and food were provided to the homeless through the church, he often reflected on how much he had enjoyed his overnight experiences and providing this service. Throughout his life, he always offered a helping hand to those in need whenever he could.

Dickie loved to cook and a fantastic cook was he! You name it, he could cook it. He and his beloved Shirley loved to entertain and fill you with wonderful food, fellowship, and joyful times and you usually went home carrying “…a doggy bag.” He loved the holidays, most particularly Christmas. He had a collection of ‘Christmas Characters’, some standing as tall as fourteen to sixteen inches, all adorned in Santa holiday finery. Some were singing or moving and they filled the hearth of the fireplace. It was a symphony and the only thing louder than the concert they gave, was Dickie’s infectious laugh as he enjoyed their repeat performances.

A beloved and devoted family man, he was always seeking the best for each of his loved ones. His faithfulness to God and devotion to a family formed the focus of his life. Ever so quietly on Thursday morning of July 16, 2020, the Heavenly Father came and gently led His child, James Edward Taylor lll, “Dickie” to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his young son, James Edward Taylor IV. Dickie’s three sisters, Katie Cotman, Margaret Taylor, and Cora Lee Harris also preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife, Shirley; stepsons LTG General Darryl A. Williams USA (Erin); Michael A. Williams (Lisa); grandchildren Kendall Mealy (CPT Patrick Mealy USA), Zachary Williams, ILT Nathan Williams USA, Grant Williams, Donovan Davis, Kennedy Davis; great-grandchildren Sloane Mealy, Hayes Mealy; brother William Taylor (Marcia); sisters Eloise Richardson (Eugene), Bernice Burrell; and many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and devoted friends.